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River Books, Sponsored by The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment, Texas State U
The Blanco River
For eighty-seven miles, the swift and shallow Blanco River winds through the Texas Hill Country. Its water is clear and green, darkened by frequent pools. Wes Ferguson and Jacob Botter have paddled, walked, and waded the Blanco. They have explored its history, people, wildlife, and the natural beauty that surprises everyone who experiences this river.
Described as “the defining element in some of the Hill Country’s most beautiful scenery,” the Blanco flows both above and below ground, part of a network of rivers and aquifers that sustains the region’s wildlife and millions of humans alike. However, overpumping and prolonged drought have combined to weaken the Blanco’s flow and sustenance, and in 2000—for the first time in recorded history—the river’s most significant feeder spring, Jacob’s Well, briefly ceased to flow. It stopped again in 2008. Then, in the spring of 2015, a devastating flood killed twelve people and toppled the huge cypress trees along its banks, altering not just the look of the river, but the communities that had come to depend on its serene presence.
River travelers Ferguson and Botter tell the remarkable story of this changeable river, confronting challenges and dangers as well as rare opportunities to see parts of the river few have seen. The authors also photographed and recorded the human response to the destruction of a beloved natural resource that has become yet another episode in the story of water in Texas.
To learn more about The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment, sponsors of this book's series, please click
Described as “the defining element in some of the Hill Country’s most beautiful scenery,” the Blanco flows both above and below ground, part of a network of rivers and aquifers that sustains the region’s wildlife and millions of humans alike. However, overpumping and prolonged drought have combined to weaken the Blanco’s flow and sustenance, and in 2000—for the first time in recorded history—the river’s most significant feeder spring, Jacob’s Well, briefly ceased to flow. It stopped again in 2008. Then, in the spring of 2015, a devastating flood killed twelve people and toppled the huge cypress trees along its banks, altering not just the look of the river, but the communities that had come to depend on its serene presence.
River travelers Ferguson and Botter tell the remarkable story of this changeable river, confronting challenges and dangers as well as rare opportunities to see parts of the river few have seen. The authors also photographed and recorded the human response to the destruction of a beloved natural resource that has become yet another episode in the story of water in Texas.
To learn more about The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment, sponsors of this book's series, please click
- GenresNonfiction
184 pages, Paperback
Published February 22, 2017
About the author
Wes Ferguson
5 books11 followersWes Ferguson is a journalist and writer from the Piney Woods of Northeast Texas. He used to have chickens, turkeys and goats, but he ate them. Information about his book Running the River: Secrets of the Sabine at http://sabineriverbook.com.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
March 17, 2018
The Blanco River is one of my favorite Texas Hill Country streams. The author does a great job explaining the issues and beauty of the clear running waters that produce so much controversy. Problems of who owns what on the Blanco can ruin a pleasant outing on the water and I've had first hand experiences dealing with obstinate property owners. If you cruise the river be prepared for folks that will dispute the right of the public to access what they consider to be their water and land. The descriptions of the personal tragedies that occurred during the historic flood of 2015 end the book with heart breaking tales of disaster. Living along and using any Texas Hill Country stream can be extremely enjoyable and dangerous at the same time. Great book!
March 22, 2017
I'm still surprised they let me rate my own book.
November 9, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Wes Ferguson's informative and entertaining biography of the Blanco River. He dives into the history of the river and the region, explores the river (on foot or in kayak) from its source to its mouth, and tells the stories of several of those that have made their homes along the river.
Wes is honest in his account - I'm sure some of those landowners won't be putting this book on their coffee table with his description of how many of them are trying to keep the public away from the natural beauty of this river. In most states other than Texas, I'm sure there would be a "Blanco Narrows State Park" - but here it's staked and claimed, and next to impossible to see in person. The chapter on Wes' and others' trips to see it was one of the highlights of this book.
The last section of the book gives the horrific account of the Memorial Day weekend flood of 2015. In many ways the destruction was self-inflicted - landowners and government officials fought against the flood plain classifications in order to further development and property values. However, it's still heartbreaking to read of the harrowing experiences from those that were fighting for their lives that night.
Wes is honest in his account - I'm sure some of those landowners won't be putting this book on their coffee table with his description of how many of them are trying to keep the public away from the natural beauty of this river. In most states other than Texas, I'm sure there would be a "Blanco Narrows State Park" - but here it's staked and claimed, and next to impossible to see in person. The chapter on Wes' and others' trips to see it was one of the highlights of this book.
The last section of the book gives the horrific account of the Memorial Day weekend flood of 2015. In many ways the destruction was self-inflicted - landowners and government officials fought against the flood plain classifications in order to further development and property values. However, it's still heartbreaking to read of the harrowing experiences from those that were fighting for their lives that night.
August 2, 2017
Wes Ferguson is a wonderful writer and his book is perfect for those of us who love the Texas Hill Country and its waterways and for those who want to know more about this special place. His writing is at times poetic, while also being very accessible. Every chapter made we wish I had a month (or more!) to just be out there exploring and cherishing the few public spaces on the Blanco River. In the final chapters, Ferguson tells the story of the 2015 Memorial Day weekend flood on the river. He does so with respect and heart, honoring the many stories of heartache and devastation people experienced. The Blanco River ranks among my very favorite Texas books and I highly recommend it!
February 4, 2024
Beautiful photos and great maps. The text is a bit overly focused on the 2015 floods (which makes sense based on when it was written and published), but has some great details, history and “local color” in the author’s anecdotes about his own trips down the river.
April 7, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed Wes’ journey through the Texas gem called the Blanco River. It is a beautiful book that tells the tales of this beautiful, yet sometimes troubled, river. If you appreciate Texas History, nature, or outdoor adventures you’ll enjoy this book. You can tell he really loves what he does, and it shows in this book. In addition to giving great insight into exploring the river and its history, Wes does great at honestly and openly, yet non-contentiously, addressing very polarizing issues. He also gives an eye-opening and emotional tribute to the horrific recent floods. I loved the book, and can’t wait for future works from him.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews